Dr. Bobbie Short named interim superintendent of Asheville City Schools

Press release from Asheville City Schools:

The Asheville City Board of Education has chosen Dr. Bobbie Short to serve as interim superintendent of Asheville City Schools effective August 1. Short is a veteran educator who began her career as an elementary teacher in Buncombe County Schools and most recently served as the superintendent of Watauga County Schools from 2003-2008. She will replace Allen Johnson and lead the district until a permanent superintendent is appointed.

“Dr. Short has an incredible record of service and a demonstrated commitment to student success,” reports Board chairman, Jacquelyn Hallum. “We are pleased that she was available, prepared and willing to step into this challenging role.”

Short was named Northwest Region Superintendent of the Year for 2008-09 and District 1 NC Association of Educational Office Professionals (NCAEOP) Administrator of the Year in 2003. During her tenure in the Watauga School District, she was often visible in classrooms at all nine schools, attending a special event, investigating a heating/air problem or exploring first-hand the need for a new high school. “My class has been told that we will be the first class to graduate from the new high school,” a student subsequently wrote to the editor of the Mountain Times in Boone. “Dr. Short has fought for the rights to build the new school and gotten the process started on a great track. That beautiful, innovative school will be her legacy.”

The new interim superintendent is no stranger to Asheville City Schools. “My daughter is a graduate of Asheville High School. I am grateful for and indebted to the excellent teachers she had throughout her school years. It is most important to me that teachers and principals have the necessary resources and support to do their jobs. It is critical that each and every child receives the best instruction and care possible every day. This is my vision and personal goal.”

Dr. Short earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership/Administration from the University of South Carolina and an Ed.S. in Education Administration, a Masters of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science – Elementary Education from Western Carolina University. In addition to her most recent experience in Watauga County Schools—-a district educating approximately 4,500 students, currently, in nine schools with a staff of 625—-she served as assistant superintendent, principal and elementary supervisor for nearly a decade in Buncombe County Schools. In addition to her membership in a number of professional organizations, Short has served as a board member and officer in numerous Asheville-area agencies: The Department of Social Services; Pack Place Education Arts & Science Center; the Junior League of Asheville Community Advisory Board; Smart Start of Buncombe County; Kids Voting Buncombe County; Junior Achievement of Western North Carolina; and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Partners in Education Task Force.

“I am privileged to join the Asheville City Schools family,” Dr. Short said. “I look forward to working with the Board, staff and parents to provide the best services possible to each and every student in our system.”

Asheville City Schools serves 4,050 students in eight schools plus 180 families in one of the area’s premier five-star preschools. Nearly half of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch. Thirty-eight percent of the district’s students are minority. Asheville City Schools has just wrapped up its 125th year of educating our community’s children.

“The Asheville City Board of Education is committed to a comprehensive process that will attract a new superintendent with the commitment, talents and drive to sustain and improve academic outcomes and opportunities for all students in the Asheville City Schools,” Hallum stated. “Dr. Short has agreed to stay as long as necessary. Our district will be in excellent hands while we conduct a vigorous and comprehensive national search process that will involve many of our stakeholders, including Dr. Short. We look forward to working with her as she leads the faculty and staff of Asheville City Schools.”

Dr. Short frames her interim leadership in simple terms. “As the School Board moves forward with the process of hiring a new superintendent, our main focus will be to continue to advance the school system,” she explained. “Ongoing support, stability and progress will be our guiding principles.”

“Again, I am honored to be a part of this most progressive school system,” Short concluded. “I look forward to getting to know the district students, parents, faculty, staff and their needs and working alongside each to enhance learning and teaching opportunities. Thank you for the opportunity to join forces with you in our wonderful community as we continue the legacy of moving toward excellence in Asheville City Schools.”